China has executed four Canadians over drug-related convictions, Canada¡¯s foreign affairs minister said Wednesday, a development that threatens to worsen an already-tense relationship between the two countries.

Melanie Joly, the Canadian minister, told reporters that she condemned the executions, and that the government would still seek clemency for others.

¡°We will continue to engage with China as we¡¯ll continue to not only strongly condemn but also ask for leniency for other Canadians that are facing similar situations,¡± Joly said.